Press Release Details

More than 500 local residents and Amgen staff and their families took part in the Breakaway from Cancer(TM) charity ride on Saturday, February 25 -- the same day that stage six of the inaugural Amgen Tour of California rolled into Thousand Oaks from Santa Barbara. And Bruce Jenner, 1976 decathlon Olympic gold medalist, kicked-off the charity ride.

The charity ride began at 8:30 a.m. and encompassed a moderate 25-mile route suitable to all levels of experienced riders. Participants received a commemorative Amgen Breakaway from Cancer race jersey, and all proceeds from the charity ride benefited The Wellness Community(R), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope for people with cancer and their caregivers.

The Breakaway from Cancer charity ride started in Thousand Oaks and went through the surrounding hills, valleys and community before ending adjacent to the Amgen campus at the same finish line that will be used later in the day for the Amgen Tour of California.

"As an avid cyclist, and cancer survivor, I was thrilled to be able to participate in a charity ride benefiting such an important cause," said Steve Bartolucci of Thousand Oaks. "When it comes to beating cancer, we're all in this race together. The funds raised from the Breakaway from Cancer charity ride will go a long way in supporting programs for those battling this illness."

"The Breakaway from Cancer charity ride is another example of Amgen's ongoing commitment to helping people fight cancer and other serious illnesses," said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and chief executive officer of The Wellness Community. "We are proud to partner with Amgen on the Breakaway from Cancer campaign and to remind people that they do not have to fight cancer alone -- free support programs and services are available throughout California and around the country."

Launched in December 2005 as a partnership between Amgen, The Wellness Community and Discovery Channel(R) professional cycling team member and 10-time Tour de France veteran George Hincapie, Breakaway from Cancer is a national education campaign designed to raise awareness and funds to support vital services and programs for people who are affected by cancer.

"Breakaway from Cancer is an integral, complementary component of the Amgen Tour of California, and it benefits cancer patients across the country," said Kevin Sharer, Amgen's chairman and chief executive officer. "Amgen was proud to host the Breakaway from Cancer charity ride in our headquarters city and join members of the community to raise additional funds to help empower people with cancer so they can live well with the disease."

For more information on the Breakaway from Cancer charity ride, public awareness campaign and ways to support those living with cancer, please visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com.

About Amgen

Amgen discovers, develops and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a broad and deep pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

About The Wellness Community

The Wellness Community is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free support and education as well as hope to people affected by cancer. Through participation in professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of their disease. Today, there are 21 Wellness Communities across the United States, five in development, 28 satellites, two centers abroad in Tokyo and Tel Aviv, and a community online at The Virtual Wellness Community. Please visit www.thewellnesscommunity.org for more information.